Well you just need a decent "Set Up" - hint hint !
Most likely is that you need to adjust the truss rod and if this still doesn't get you a lower action, you couuld try the shim thing.

I would suggest that you look at the neck and see whether it's straight or bowed in any direction - there are detailed guidelines on: www.fender.com - I would suggest going through these step by step - look for Mr. Gearhead!

That means trying to raise the neck as a whole by putting shims between neck and body.
A lot of Fenders have necks that are set too low into the body joint, thus making low action hard to achieve, or even impossible.
Our singer has a mid-70s Fender Jazz that has the same problem.

I sent the bass to the Luthier and confirmed that the neck at the body is too low. Either by tilt adjustment or shim . Saddles at thier lowest and action was still very high. Also D'DAARIRO strings are not best for versatility on this bass. Adjustment being made with fresh set of KEN SMITH nickel MEd. guage strings. Will get results in a few days .